These resources for the Holocaust may or may not be appropriate for some groups of students. Please use your best judgment when selecting materials for your students. For more information about teaching the Holocaust, see our History of the Holocaust lesson plans.
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Student Activities for Night
Essential Questions for Night
- What kind of hate is racism? Does racism exist in our society today?
- Do people control groups or do groups control people?
- How does prejudice lead to violence?
- In what ways does a person seek or lose faith in dire situations?
A Quick Synopsis of Night
In the beginning of his novel, Elie dives into his deeply religious beliefs and discusses his interest in pursuing religious studies. All of that changes when the Nazis arrive in his small town. Despite the warnings and rumors, by 1944 Elie, his family, and his town are moved into a ghetto.
When the Nazis came again, the Jews are sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Men and women were segregated, and Elie was divided from his family, except for his father. Elie relates the atrocious events that occurred inside the camp, and gives insight to the theme of survival and faith.
Check out other lesson plans on history and literature during World War II and Holocaust
- The History of the Holocaust
- Introduction to World War II
- World War II: 1939-1941
- World War II: 1942-1945
- Night by Elie Wiesel
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
- The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal
- "First They Came" by Martin Niemoller
- Lily's Crossing By Patricia Reilly Giff
- White Bird by RJ Palacio
- Once by Morris Gleitzman
- Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
- The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
How Tos about Night by Elie Wiesel
Engage students with meaningful discussions about faith and resilience in Night
Connect the themes of faith and resilience to students' lives by prompting open-ended questions about overcoming challenges. Encourage students to share personal experiences or reflections that relate to Elie Wiesel's journey, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Guide students to analyze character development throughout Night
Help students track changes in Elie and other key characters by using graphic organizers or journals. Ask students to note pivotal moments and discuss how these events shape beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.
Facilitate a creative project to explore themes of survival
Assign students a creative task, such as composing a poem, storyboard, or artwork, that expresses their interpretation of survival in Night. Allow for multiple formats to engage diverse learners and encourage personal expression.
Incorporate multimedia resources to enrich understanding
Introduce videos, interviews, or podcasts about the Holocaust and Elie Wiesel's experiences. Use these resources to spark discussion and deepen students' grasp of historical context and emotional impact.
Promote respectful dialogue about difficult topics
Establish clear guidelines for classroom discussions on sensitive issues like prejudice and trauma. Model active listening and empathy to create a safe space where all students feel valued and heard.
Frequently Asked Questions about Night by Elie Wiesel
What is the main theme of Night by Elie Wiesel?
The main theme of Night by Elie Wiesel is the struggle for survival and the loss of faith experienced during the Holocaust. The memoir explores how extreme adversity can challenge personal beliefs and humanity.
How can teachers create engaging lesson plans for Night?
Teachers can create engaging lesson plans for Night by using activities like character analysis, group discussions on essential questions, and creative projects such as storyboards or journal entries. These approaches help students connect emotionally and critically with the text.
What are some essential questions to ask when teaching Night?
Essential questions for teaching Night include: What kind of hate is racism? Do people control groups or do groups control people? How does prejudice lead to violence? and How does faith change in dire situations? These questions promote deep classroom discussion.
Why is Night by Elie Wiesel important for students to read?
Night is important for students because it provides a personal perspective on the Holocaust, highlighting themes of resilience, loss, and the consequences of prejudice. It encourages empathy and critical thinking about history and human rights.
What are some creative activities for teaching Night in middle or high school?
Creative activities for teaching Night include making storyboards of key events, writing reflective journals, dramatizing scenes, and analyzing symbols or motifs. These activities help students engage with the book's themes and characters in meaningful ways.
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